The death has taken place this evening of former long-serving member of Clare County Council, Mayor of Clare and TD for the county, James Breen at the age of 81.
First elected to Clare County Council in 1985, Mr Breen left Fianna Fáil and ran as an independent candidate in the 2002 General Election, when he topped the poll.
After narrowly losing his Dáil seat in 2007, he was re-elected to the Council in 2009 and in 2015 became the first person from Kilnamona to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. Mr Breen stepped down from politics in May 2019.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, sons and daughter.
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my former colleague, James Breen.
James was a huge figure in the political landscape of Clare, serving our county with fierce independence and unwavering dedication to the people who elected him.
Whether topping the poll as an Independent TD in 2002 or making history as the first Kilnamona man to be elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, James always put the needs of his constituents first.
It was a true privilege to serve alongside James on Clare County Council for a decade, from 2009 until his retirement from local government in 2019. In the chamber, he was a formidable, straight-talking politician, but outside of it, he was an absolute gentleman filled with wit, good humour, and a genuine affection for his community.
I want to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to James’ wife Eileen, his children, and his extended family at this very sad and difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
